Whatever each man can separately do, without trespassing upon others, he has a right to do for himself; and he has a right to a fair portion of all which society, with all it combinations of skill and force, can do in his favor. In this partnership all men have equal rights; but not to equal things.

It is from this absolute indifference and tranquillity of the mind, that mathematical speculations derive some of the most considerable advantages; because there is nothing to interest the imagination; because the judgment sits free and unbiased to examine the point. All proportions, every arrangement of quantity, is alike to the understanding, because the same truths result to it from all; from greater from lesser, from equality and inequality.

Woman is not made to be the admiration of everybody , but the happiness of one.

Nothing ought to be more weighed than the nature of books recommended by public authority. So recommended, they soon form the character of the age.

[Slavery] is a weed that grows in every soil.

Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom; and a great empire and little minds go ill together.

Circumspection and caution are part of wisdom.